Australia’s illegal logging laws will change in March

The Australian Government is committed to ensuring illegally logged material is not incorporated into Australian wood products.

The arrangements, commencing on 3 March 2025, represent an opportunity for government, industry and end users of wood products to have greater confidence in the source and supply of timber. This will provide greater confidence to the Australian public of the strong collective commitment of all parts of the Australian supply chain to responsible forestry practices.

Transitioning to new arrangements

The Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment Act 2024 (Amendment Act) and associated Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024  (the Rules) were finalised in December 2024 and will come into effect on 3 March 2025. The new legal requirements will involve changes to company processes and the Government is committed to supporting compliance within the regulated community with clear and accessible guidance.

For the first six months of the Rules being in effect (from 3 March 2025 – early September 2025), audits will be conducted as usual, but will focus on education and guidance for non-compliance matters relating to the application of new/changed due diligence arrangements.

What does this mean for importers and processors?

Aspects of a company’s due diligence requirements will change on 3 March 2025. Until then, existing requirements remain in place. Information on the practical changes for importers and processors is available in E-update 49.

Guidance material

More information on what will happen from 3 March 2025 is available in the Navigating New Rules: Transitioning to new arrangements factsheet. Two digital kits (‘digikits’), with resources and information for representative groups, are available to distribute amongst networks. 

Further guidance material will be available ahead of 3 March 2025 to assist companies in meeting due diligence requirements. There will be an opportunity to provide feedback during the first six months of the updated legislation, to ensure guidance is fit-for-purpose. 

Due diligence requirements varies for different products, with certain products—such as composite products—requiring more detailed consideration. Help is available for navigating these challenges, and are open to feedback. 

More information on the changes coming into effect under the Amendment Act and Rules is available in E-update 49.

Source: E-Update 50: January 2025, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry